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Jocienė L, Krokaitė E, Rekašius T, Vilčinskas R, Judžentienė A, Marozas V, Kupčinskienė E. Ionomic Parameters of Populations of Common Juniper ( Juniperus communis L.) Depending on the Habitat Type. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:961. [PMID: 36840309 PMCID: PMC9963431 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
For the study of the ionomic parameters of Juniperus communis needles, fourteen sites covering most of the territory of Lithuania and belonging to distinct habitats (coastal brown dunes covered with natural Scots pine forests (G), Juniperus communis scrubs (F), transition mires and quaking bogs (D), subcontinental moss Scots pine forests (G), and xero-thermophile fringes) were selected. Concentrations of macro-, micro-, and non-essential elements were analyzed in current-year needles, sampled in September. According to the concentrations of elements in J. communis needles, the differences between the most contrasting populations were as follows: up to 2-fold for Mg, N, K, Ca, and Zn; 2- to 7-fold for P, Na, Fe, Cu, Al, Cr, Ni, and Pb; and 26- to 31-fold for Mn and Cd. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni in needles of J. communis did not reach levels harmful for conifers. When compared to all other habitats (B, F, G, and E), the populations from transition mires and quaking bogs (D) had significantly lower concentrations of main nutritional elements N (12176 µg/g d. m.), P (1054 µg/g d. m.), and K (2916 µg/g d. m.). In Juniperus communis scrubs (F), a habitat protected by EUNIS, the concentration of K in the needles was highest, while Zn and Cu concentrations were the lowest. Principal component (PC) analyses using concentrations of 15 elements as variables for the discrimination of populations or habitats allowed authors to distinguish F and B habitats from the E habitat (PC1) and F and D habitats from the G habitat (PC2). Discriminating between populations, the most important variables were concentrations of P, N, Mg, Ca, Cu, and K. Discriminating between habitats, the important variables were concentrations of N and P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Jocienė
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Edvina Krokaitė
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Tomas Rekašius
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Informatics, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Mathematical Statistics, Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Saulėtekio Ave. 11, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ramūnas Vilčinskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Asta Judžentienė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio Ave. 3, 10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio Ave. 7, 10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vitas Marozas
- Department of Environment and Ecology, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Eugenija Kupčinskienė
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Kołtun-Jasion M, Sawulska P, Patyra A, Woźniak M, Dudek MK, Filipek A, Kiss AK. Bio-Guided Isolation of Compounds from Fraxinus excelsior Leaves with Anti-Inflammatory Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043750. [PMID: 36835169 PMCID: PMC9964138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is the first physiological defence mechanism against external and internal stimuli. The prolonged or inappropriate response of the immune system may lead to the persistent inflammatory response that can potentially become a basis for chronic diseases e.g., asthma, type II diabetes or cancer. An important role in the alleviation of inflammatory processes, as an adjunct to traditional pharmacological therapy, is attributed to phytotherapy, especially to raw materials with a long tradition of use, e.g., ash leaves. Despite their long-term use in phytotherapy, the specific mechanisms of action have not been confirmed in a sufficient number of biological or clinical studies. The aim of the study is a detailed phytochemical analysis of infusion and its fractions, isolation of pure compounds from the leaves of Fraxinus excelsior and evaluation of their effect on the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and IL-10 receptor expression in an in vitro model of monocyte/macrophage cells isolated from peripheral blood. Methods: Phytochemical analysis was carried out by the UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method. Monocytes/macrophages were isolated from human peripheral blood using density gradient centrifugation on Pancoll. After 24 h incubation with tested fractions/subfractions and pure compounds, cells or their supernatants were studied, respectively, on IL-10 receptor expression by flow cytometry and IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β secretion by the ELISA test. Results were presented with respect to Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) control and positive control with dexamethasone. Results: The infusion, 20% and 50% methanolic fractions and their subfractions, as well as their dominating compounds, e.g., ligstroside, formoside and oleoacteoside isolated from the leaves, show the ability to increase the IL-10 receptor expression on the surface of monocyte/macrophage cells, stimulated by LPS, and to decrease the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g., TNF-α, IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Kołtun-Jasion
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.-J.); (A.K.K.); Tel./Fax: +48-22-572-09-85 (M.K.-J.)
| | - Paulina Sawulska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Patyra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 81, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Marta Woźniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Katarzyna Dudek
- Structural Studies Department, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza H. 112, 90-001 Łódź, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Filipek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Karolina Kiss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.-J.); (A.K.K.); Tel./Fax: +48-22-572-09-85 (M.K.-J.)
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Qasaymeh RM, Rotondo D, Seidel V. Phytochemical study and immunomodulatory activity of Fraxinus excelsior L. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 75:117-128. [PMID: 36332078 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fraxinus excelsior L. (FE) is traditionally used to treat inflammatory and pain disorders. This study aimed to identify the constituents of FE leaves and evaluate the effects of its n-hexane (FEH), ethyl acetate (FEE), methanol (FEM) extracts and constituents on the viability of THP-1 cells and their ability to release pro-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS THP-1 cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. The immunomodulatory activity was evaluated by measuring tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) released by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. KEY FINDINGS Triterpenes, tyrosol esters, alkanes, phytyl and steryl esters, pinocembrin and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate were isolated from FE. The tyrosol esters showed no significant effect on THP-1 cell viability. FEH, FEE, FEM, and pinocembrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid had IC50 values of 56.9, 39.9, 124.7 µg/ml and 178.6, 61.5 and 199.8 µM, respectively. FE extracts, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and pinocembrin significantly reduced TNF-α/IL-12 levels. The tyrosol esters did not significantly affect TNF-α/IL-12 production. CONCLUSIONS FE was able to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production indicating a mechanistic focus in its use for inflammation and pain. Further investigations are warranted to unravel the mode of action of the tested constituents and discover other potentially active compounds in FE extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Mohammad Qasaymeh
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Dino Rotondo
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Veronique Seidel
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Pinke G, Kapcsándi V, Czúcz B. Iconic Arable Weeds: The Significance of Corn Poppy ( Papaver rhoeas), Cornflower ( Centaurea cyanus), and Field Larkspur ( Delphinium consolida) in Hungarian Ethnobotanical and Cultural Heritage. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:plants12010084. [PMID: 36616213 PMCID: PMC9824376 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There are an increasing number of initiatives that recognize arable weed species as an important component of agricultural biodiversity. Such initiatives often focus on declining species that were once abundant and are still well known, but the ethnographic relevance of such species receives little recognition. We carried out an extensive literature review on the medicinal, ornamental, and cultural applications of three selected species, Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, and Delphinium consolida, in the relevant Hungarian literature published between 1578 and 2021. We found a great diversity of medicinal usages. While P. rhoeas stands out with its sedative influence, D. consolida was mainly employed to stop bleeding, and C. cyanus was most frequently used to cure eye inflammation. The buds of P. rhoeas were sporadically eaten and its petals were used as a food dye. All species fulfilled ornamental purposes, either as garden plants or gathered in the wild for bouquets. They were essential elements of harvest festivals and religious festivities, particularly in Corpus Christi processions. P. rhoeas was also a part of several children's games. These wildflowers were regularly depicted in traditional Hungarian folk art. In poetry, P. rhoeas was used as a symbol of burning love or impermanence; C. cyanus was frequently associated with tenderness and faithfulness; while D. consolida regularly emerged as a nostalgic remembrance of the disappearing rural lifestyle. These plants were also used as patriotic symbols in illustrations for faithfulness, loyalty, or homesickness. Our results highlight the deep and prevalent embeddedness of the three iconic weed species studied in the folk culture of the Carpathian Basin. The ethnobotanical and cultural embeddedness of arable weed species should also be considered when efforts and instruments for the conservation of arable weed communities are designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyula Pinke
- Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosomagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University, Vár 2., H-9200 Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kapcsándi
- Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosomagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University, Vár 2., H-9200 Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
| | - Bálint Czúcz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, Italy
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Abstract
From the beginning of recorded history through the present day, dermatologic disorders have been treated with ethnomedicine remedies. We present the ethnodermatologic practices in Transylvania, Romania. We conducted ethnomedicine surveys in 35 villages in Transylvania (2007-2019). The 650 people interviewed were questioned about the treatment of dermatologic disorders by drugs derived from plant, animal, human, or other origins. Collected data were compared to earlier records of the regions and other European countries, completed with relevant pharmacologic studies of some plants. A total of 180 drugs were documented for 45 skin problems, including 112 plants, 1 fungus, 19 animals, 5 humans, and 43 other materials used in 11 preparation forms. Among these, 144 drugs were mentioned in humans, 10 in veterinary medicines, and 26 included in both therapies with overlapping human/animal (eg, Petroselinum crispum) and specific uses (eg, Daphne mezereum, Scrophularia nodosa). Compared to data from other countries, the local use of 32 plants and various animals and minerals was described only in the study area. The present study demonstrates that ethnomedicine practices are a valuable source of knowledge for skin diseases and highlight the relevance of fieldwork in the selected regions of Transylvania.
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Herbal Medicine Uses for Respiratory System Disorders and Possible Trends in New Herbal Medicinal Recipes during COVID-19 in Pasvalys District, Lithuania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158905. [PMID: 35897276 PMCID: PMC9332438 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite some preliminary studies of the available herbal medicine preparations and their curative effects on COVID-19, experts still fear that unproper use of such homemade medicines could do more harm than good to people relying on unproven alternatives of questionable efficacy. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of herbal medicines used for respiratory system disorders in the Pasvalys district during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania. An archival source was also studied, looking for possible recipes for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases in Lithuanian traditional medicine, emphasizing the safety guidelines. The survey was conducted using the deep interview method. The respondents mentioned 60 species of medicinal plants from 29 different families used for the treatment and prevention of respiratory system disorders (for cough mostly, 51.70% of all indications). Twenty eight out of 60 plant species were not included in the European Medicines Agency monographs and only 50% of all included species were used as indicated by the European Medicines Agency for respiratory system disorders. The trends in the ethnopharmacological choices of modern consumers and the analysis of archival sources can be a great source of ideas for new herbal-based pharmaceutical preparations for COVID-19 symptoms in Lithuania considering the safety recommendations.
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Garjonyte R, Budiene J, Labanauskas L, Judzentiene A. In Vitro Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activities of Red Raspberry ( Rubus idaeus L.) Stem Extracts. Molecules 2022; 27:4073. [PMID: 35807315 PMCID: PMC9268408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leaves and stems of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) are used in Lithuanian folk medicine. Healing properties of raspberry are related to the content of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols. Extracts of raspberry leaves contained higher total phenolic content (TPC) (1290 mg/L, expressed in gallic acid equivalent) compared to that in extracts of stems or peeled bark (up to 420 mg/L and 598 mg/L, respectively). To find out whether the collection time of herbal material was critical for the properties of the extracts, the stems were collected at different times of the year. TPC in the extracts depended more on extraction conditions rather than on the sampling time. Antioxidant activity of raspberry stem and bark extracts tested by spectrophotometric (DPPH● scavenging) and electrochemical (cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry) assays correlated with TPC. DPPH radical scavenging activity values for stem, leaf, and bark extracts were as follows: ≤1.18 ± 0.07, 1.63 ± 0.10, and ≤1.90 ± 0.04 (mmol/L, TROLOX equivalent), respectively. Assessed electrochemically, hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity of extracts was independent on TPC. The latter activity was related to the presence of some protein in the extract as revealed by gel electrophoresis. Prooxidant activity of raspberry stem extracts was dependent on solution pH and temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Asta Judzentiene
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Sauletekio Avenue 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.G.); (J.B.); (L.L.)
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Pranskuniene Z, Grisiute R, Pranskunas A, Bernatoniene J. Ethnopharmacology for Skin Diseases and Cosmetics during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lithuania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074054. [PMID: 35409737 PMCID: PMC8998206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The documentation of ethnopharmaceutical knowledge has always been important for the preservation of countries’ cultural, social, and economic identity. The COVID-19 pandemic with the collapse of healthcare, which has left the individual health to self-care, has also forced us to look back at ethnopharmacology from a practical point of view. This is the first study in Lithuania, dedicated entirely to ethnopharmaceuticals used for skin diseases and cosmetics, and the first study to analyse ethnopharmacology as a Lithuanian phenomenon during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The main purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate ethnopharmaceutical knowledge regarding skin diseases and cosmetics in Šiauliai District, Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic from July 2020 to October 2021. This study surveyed 50 respondents; the survey was conducted using the deep interview method. The respondents mentioned 67 species of medicinal plants from 37 different families used for skin diseases (64.18%), cosmetics (13.44%) and cosmeceuticals (22.38%). Of the 67 plant species, 43 (64%) were not included in the European Medicines Agency monographs and only 14 species (21%) of all included species were used with European Medicines Agency approved medical indications for skin diseases. In terms of public health, the safety of “self-treatment” and recovery rituals for skin diseases are no less important than ethnopharmacological knowledge and its application, this being especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zivile Pranskuniene
- Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Rugile Grisiute
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Andrius Pranskunas
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Jurga Bernatoniene
- Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
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Home Gardens as a Source of Medicinal, Herbal and Food Preparations: Modern and Historical Approaches in Lithuania. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11219988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The culture of home gardens in Lithuania comes from the deep traditions of agriculture. The purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants grown in Tauragė District home gardens and to compare it with archival sources. A field survey was conducted from July 2019 to October 2020 in the Tauragė District, and the target group consisted of 27 respondents. The data obtained during the research were compared with the unpublished work of E. Šimkūnaitė, dated 1948. During the research, 100 cultivated plant species were recorded and assigned to 36 plant families (76 plant species and 38 plant families in the archival source, respectively). Many of the species grown earlier/at present in home gardens were used without EMA approved medical indications and were based solely on folk knowledge and experience in medicine. Despite the wide network of pharmacies and well-available primary health care in Lithuania, the residents of Tauragė District still grow medicinal plants in their home gardens for various purposes—from homemade medicines to food–herbal preparations. This food–medicine connection is as tight as it was in the archival study of 1948, which shows the surviving Lithuanian tradition of growing both food and medicine in home gardens. Those cultivated plants most suitable for Lithuanian climatic conditions and with ethnic heritage-based medical applications can be a source of ideas for further research.
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Krizhanovska V, Sile I, Kronberga A, Nakurte I, Mezaka I, Dambrova M, Pugovics O, Grinberga S. The Cultivation of Chelidonium majus L. Increased the Total Alkaloid Content and Cytotoxic Activity Compared with Those of Wild-Grown Plants. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091971. [PMID: 34579502 PMCID: PMC8467419 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effect of cultivation practises on both the phytochemical profile and biological activity of aqueous ethanol extracts of Chelidonium majus L. was studied. Extracts were prepared from aerial parts of the same plant population collected in the wild and grown under organic farming conditions. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of alkaloids and flavonoid derivatives were performed by LC/MS methods, and the cytotoxicity of lyophilised extracts was studied in B16-F10, HepG2, and CaCo-2 cells. Coptisine was the dominant alkaloid of extracts prepared from wild-grown plants, whereas after cultivation, chelidonine was the most abundant alkaloid. The total alkaloid content was significantly increased by cultivation. Ten flavonol glycoconjugates were identified in C. majus extracts, and quantitative analysis did not reveal significant differences between extracts prepared from wild-grown and cultivated specimens. Treatment with C. majus extracts resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity in all three cell lines. The extracts prepared from cultivated specimens showed higher cytotoxicity than the extracts prepared from wild-grown plants. The strongest cytotoxic effect of cultivated C. majus was observed in B16-F10 cells (IC50 = 174.98 ± 1.12 µg/mL). Cultivation-induced differences in the phytochemical composition of C. majus extracts resulted in significant increases in the cytotoxic activities of the preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerija Krizhanovska
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 21 Aizkraukles Str., LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (I.S.); (M.D.); (O.P.)
| | - Inga Sile
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 21 Aizkraukles Str., LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (I.S.); (M.D.); (O.P.)
- Department of Dosage Form Technology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Str., LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Arta Kronberga
- Field and Forest, SIA, 2 Izstades Str., LV-4126 Priekuli Parish, Cēsis County, Latvia;
| | - Ilva Nakurte
- Institute for Environmental Solutions, “Lidlauks”, LV-4126 Priekuļi Parish, Cēsis County, Latvia; (I.N.); (I.M.)
| | - Ieva Mezaka
- Institute for Environmental Solutions, “Lidlauks”, LV-4126 Priekuļi Parish, Cēsis County, Latvia; (I.N.); (I.M.)
| | - Maija Dambrova
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 21 Aizkraukles Str., LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (I.S.); (M.D.); (O.P.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Str., LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Osvalds Pugovics
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 21 Aizkraukles Str., LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (I.S.); (M.D.); (O.P.)
| | - Solveiga Grinberga
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 21 Aizkraukles Str., LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (I.S.); (M.D.); (O.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Nutrient and Mineral Compositions of Wild Leafy Vegetables of the Karen and Lawa Communities in Thailand. Foods 2020; 9:foods9121748. [PMID: 33256047 PMCID: PMC7759793 DOI: 10.3390/foods9121748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild food plants are commonly used in the traditional diets of indigenous people in many parts of the world, including northern Thailand. The potential contribution of wild food plants to the nutrition of the Karen and Lawa communities remains poorly understood. Wild food plants, with a focus on leafy vegetables, were ranked by the Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI) based on semi-structured interviews. Twelve wild plant species were highly mentioned and widely consumed. The importance of the wild vegetables was mainly related to taste, availability, and multifunctionality of the species. Their contents of proximate and minerals (P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) were analyzed using standard methods. The proximate contents were comparable to most domesticated vegetables. The contents of Mg (104 mg/100 g FW), Fe (11 mg/100 g FW), and Zn (19 mg/100 g FW) in the wild leafy vegetables were high enough to cover the daily recommended dietary allowances of adults (19-50 years), whereas a few species showed Mn contents higher than the tolerable upper intake level (>11 mg/100 g edible part). The wild leafy vegetables, therefore, are good sources of minerals and we recommend their continued usage by indigenous people. Further research on these wild leafy vegetables' contents of antioxidants, vitamins, heavy metals, anti-nutrient factors, and food safety is recommended.
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Gierlikowska B, Gierlikowski W, Demkow U. Alantolactone Enhances the Phagocytic Properties of Human Macrophages and Modulates Their Proinflammatory Functions. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1339. [PMID: 33013371 PMCID: PMC7494907 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the Study Phagocytosis is a crucial element of innate immune defense involved in bacterial killing. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of alantolactone on phagocytosis and cytokines release by THP1-derived macrophages. We assessed whether antimicrobial compound alantolactone (a sesquiterpene lactone present in Inula helenium L.) is able to stimulate immune functions of macrophages by increase of S. aureus uptake, phagosome acidification and further stimulation of phago-lysosomes formation. Simultaneously, we tested influence of alantolactone on cytokines/chemokines production and p65 NF-κB concentration. The activity of alantolactone was compared with clarithromycin at concentration 20 µM. Methods The cytotoxicity of alantolactone as well as S. aureus uptake, pH of phagosomes and phago-lysosomes fusion were analysed with flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species and superoxide production were evaluated spectrophotometrically. The efficiency of phagocytosis was evaluated via quantifying viable bacteria (CFU). The effect on p65 protein concentration and cytokine production by macrophages were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Alantolactone enhanced phagocytosis via increase of S. aureus uptake, acidification of phagosomes, and later stimulation of phago-lysosomes fusion. Alantolactone treatment resulted in ROS and superoxide production decrease. Furthermore, alantolactone inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 as well as decreased p65 concentration, the subunit responsible for NF-κB activation and cytokine production and simultaneously stimulated release of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10 and TGF-β). Conclusion Results of our study indicate that alantolactone enhances clearance of S. aureus, and simultaneously modulates immune response, preventing collateral damage of the surrounding tissues. Considering the importance of phagocytosis in the pathogen killing, alantolactone may have a great potential as the supportive treatment of S. aureus infections. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gierlikowska
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Gierlikowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Demkow
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Gierlikowska B, Gierlikowski W, Bekier K, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Czerwińska ME, Kiss AK. Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 249:112311. [PMID: 31644941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE During the epidemic season, over 90% of acute wheezing disease is associated with bronchial inflammation. Both neutrophil- and eosinophil-mediated inflammation have been involved in the pathophysiology of acute bronchitis, but neutrophil cell recruitment has been shown to be dominant. The ongoing inflammation increases the chemotaxis of neutrophils to inflamed site providing to their overaccumulation. The pharmacological reduction of neutrophil migration can be limited by suppression of major chemo-attractants and cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α) release and downregulation of adhesive molecules. AIM OF THE STUDY During a screening of plants traditionally used in respiratory tracts diseases (e.g. cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, throat infection, fever, influenza) in Europe, we have selected roots of Inula helenium and aerial parts of Grindelia squarrosa as a potential source of compounds limiting neutrophil migration. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect on IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α release by neutrophils and respiratory epithelium cell line (A549) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The surface expression of adhesive molecules was analyzed with flow cytometry, and the neutrophil attachment to the epithelial cells was assessed fluorimetrically. RESULTS We confirmed the ability of selected extracts and compounds to suppress neutrophil binding to the epithelium surface via downregulation of β2 integrin. Alantolactone and grindelic acid have shown significant suppression of IL-8, TNF-α and IL-1β release comparable with budesonide, used as a positive control. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa, which have been traditionally used in Europe as medicinal plants, are a valuable source of active compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Our observations justify the traditional use of I. helenium and G. squarrosa for a treatment of inflammation-based diseases in respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gierlikowska
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Gierlikowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bekier
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plant Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika E Czerwińska
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna K Kiss
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
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Kiss AK, Michalak B, Patyra A, Majdan M. UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and HPTLC profiling of ash leaf samples from different commercial and natural sources and their in vitro effects on mediators of inflammation. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2020; 31:57-67. [PMID: 31286597 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In European traditional medicine, common ash leaf infusion is recommended by European Medicines Agency to treat minor articular pain and to increase the amount of urine for flushing minor urinary complaints. However, a comprehensive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) analysis of this pharmacopeial plant material has never been performed. Moreover, the number of biological and pharmacological investigations proving the usefulness of this plant material in recommended traditional uses is surprisingly small. OBJECTIVE Phytochemical profiling of ash leaf samples from different commercial and natural sources and the determination of the in vitro effects on inflammatory mediators in a model of human neutrophils. METHODS Ash leaf samples were characterised by total hydroxycinnamic acid content and by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS methods. The effects of leaf infusions on reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) production by neutrophils were measured using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS In ash leaf samples 64 compounds were identified or partly identified together with four unknown compounds. The major compounds detected belong to different structural groups, including phenolic acid derivatives, phenylethanoids, flavonoids, iridoids, secoiridoids and lignans. The major compounds detected in ash samples were chlorogenic acid, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, verbascoside, oleuropein and ligstroside. However, one sample contained coumarin derivatives. This finding suggested adulteration with other Fraxinus species and/or plant parts. All infusions were able to inhibit ROS, cytokine and chemokine production. CONCLUSIONS The performed phytochemical and biological analyses contribute to the knowledge about this pharmacopeial plant material and supports its traditional use to treat minor inflammatory complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Kiss
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Michalak
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Patyra
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Majdan
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Pranskuniene Z, Ratkeviciute K, Simaitiene Z, Pranskunas A, Bernatoniene J. Ethnobotanical Study of Cultivated Plants in Kaišiadorys District, Lithuania: Possible Trends for New Herbal Based Medicines. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:3940397. [PMID: 31239859 PMCID: PMC6556360 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3940397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing body of ethnobotanical studies in Europe, publications are scarce in Lithuania. Ethnobotanical study in Kaišiadorys district is one of the few from this field done in Lithuania. Lithuania is divided into five ethnographic regions, and Kaišiadorys district is an area which borders with the three of them (Aukštaitija, Dzūkija, and Suvalkija), which determines the ethnographic distinctiveness of the area. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of cultivated medicinal plants, their families and pharmaceutical forms used in Kaišiadorys district, Lithuania, and to assess the conformity of medicinal plant materials used by respondents with the recommendations for medicinal plant materials in the World Health Organization monographs. METHODS The field work was conducted in periods of time from July 2016 to October 2017. During this ethnobotanical research, 30 people were interviewed, 25 of whom agreed to communicate. The average age of respondents was 65 years. Information was collected using semistructured and structured interviews. The obtained information was recorded indicating ethnic names of plants, their preparation techniques, parts used, modes of administration, and application for therapeutic purposes. RESULTS Respondents mentioned 71 species of cultivated medicinal plants from 38 families, used for therapeutic purposes and indicated which parts of the plant they use, how they prepare them, indications for use, and ways of administration. The most commonly cited families were Asteraceae (20.5%), Lamiaceae (13.9%), and Apiaceae (12.8%); most popular plants, cited more than 20 times, were Tilia cordata L., Matricaria recutita L., Calendula officinalis L., Carum carvi L., and Artemisia absinthium L. The frequently used plant parts were flowers (mentioned 35.8%), leaves (16.3%), roots and tubers (16.1%), herb (14.8%), and seeds (7.0%). Diseases most frequently treated were digestive (21.5% of citations), respiratory (21.3 % of citations), mental and behavioral (11.0%) disorders, certain infections and parasitic diseases (10.1%), and diseases of genitourinary system (9.1%). CONCLUSIONS Only 19 of the cultivated medicinal plant species mentioned by interviewed persons are described in the World Health Organization monographs. This means that the remaining 52 species are used without the World Health Organization approved medical indications, based solely on the folk medicine knowledge and experience. This study showed that the folk use of plants is strongly rooted in daily practice in the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zivile Pranskuniene
- Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kristina Ratkeviciute
- Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Zenona Simaitiene
- The Museum of History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy, Lithuania
| | - Andrius Pranskunas
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jurga Bernatoniene
- Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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